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Instructor Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CAE, Inc.

Praetor Instructor Pilot

Dallas, TX · On-site

CAE Instructor Pilots - All for the pursuit of aviation excellence. As an Instructor Pilot at CAE, you play a critical role in developing pilot confidence and skill through high-quality simulator and ...

Caeus

Praetor Instructor Pilot

Dallas, TX

CAE Instructor Pilots - All for the pursuit of aviation excellence. As an Instructor Pilot at CAE, you play a critical role in developing pilot confidence and skill through highquality simulator and ...

DRG

F-35 CONTRACT INSTRUCTOR PILOT

Lemoore, CA · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

Contract Instructor will facilitate pilot training in the F-35 Full Mission Simulator using the Instructor Operating Station (IOS) and will be a subject matter expert (SME) on various aircraft ...

AEVEX

Instructor Pilot 4

Tampa, FL · On-site

Previous experience as a certified flight instructor (CFI), instructor pilot, or military flight instructor is highly desirable. * Experience with the U.S. Department of State (DoS), U.S. Department ...

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Instructor Pilot information

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$39.5K

$103K

$171.5K

How much do instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for instructor pilot in the United States is $103,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Instructor Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectInstructor PilotFlight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) often requiredCertified Flight Instructor (CFI) required
Work EnvironmentMilitary, corporate, or government aircraft trainingFlight schools, general aviation
Employer & IndustryAirlines, military, government agenciesFlight training schools, private aviation

Instructor Pilot and Flight Instructor both require CFI certification, but Instructor Pilots often operate in military or corporate settings, focusing on advanced training. Flight Instructors typically work in civilian flight schools, training new pilots. While their roles overlap in training and certification, Instructor Pilots usually handle more complex aircraft and scenarios, whereas Flight Instructors focus on foundational pilot training.

How do you become a pilot instructor?

To become a pilot instructor, you must first obtain a private pilot license and then accumulate additional flight hours to qualify for an instructor certification, such as the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating. After earning the CFI, you can teach student pilots and gain experience, often requiring passing written and practical exams administered by aviation authorities.

What Does a Pilot Instructor Do?

Pilot Instructors teach students how to fly so that they can obtain their pilot’s licenses. This position takes patience, precision, a sense of detail, and cool thinking under pressure. You will teach your student each and every step involved in flight. This often begins with classroom instruction and may later involve such actions as filing a flight plan, completing a pre-flight checklist, radio communication with ground personnel, and all details of takeoff, navigation, and landing. Eventually, you will guide your students through test flights. You will then file reports to your leadership on the progress of your students and help decide who is qualified to obtain their pilot’s licenses.

What are Instructor Pilots?

Instructor Pilots are highly trained and experienced pilots who are responsible for teaching student pilots how to operate aircraft safely and effectively. They provide both ground and flight instruction, evaluate student performance, and ensure adherence to aviation regulations. Instructor Pilots may work in flight schools, military settings, or commercial training programs, and are essential for developing the next generation of competent aviators. Their role includes demonstrating maneuvers, providing feedback, and preparing students for exams and certifications.

How much do flying instructors get paid?

Flying instructors typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of flying school. Pay may also include hourly rates for flight hours and additional benefits such as training and certification support.

How much can you make as a pilot instructor?

Pilot instructors typically earn between $30,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of flying school or airline. Experienced instructors with advanced certifications and additional flight hours can earn higher salaries, especially if they work for major airlines or specialized training programs.

Is there a demand for flight instructors?

The demand for flight instructors remains steady due to ongoing pilot training needs and pilot shortages in the aviation industry. Flight instructors with certified flight instructor (CFI) ratings and strong teaching skills are typically in higher demand, especially in regions with expanding flight schools or increased pilot certification requirements.

What are some common challenges Instructor Pilots face when training new pilots, and how can they be addressed?

Instructor Pilots often encounter challenges such as varying learning speeds among students, managing cockpit safety during training flights, and providing constructive feedback under pressure. To address these, it's important to tailor teaching methods to individual student needs, maintain clear communication and situational awareness at all times, and foster a supportive learning environment. Regular collaboration with other instructors and ongoing professional development also help Instructor Pilots stay updated on best practices and regulatory changes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Instructor Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instructor Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate, and a certified flight instructor (CFI) rating. Familiarity with flight simulators, aircraft-specific avionics, and training management systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to give constructive feedback are vital soft skills for effectively teaching and mentoring student pilots. These skills ensure safe flight operations, effective knowledge transfer, and the development of competent new pilots.
More about Instructor Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Instructor Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Instructor Pilot job openings:
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Instructor Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instructor Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,038 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
Contract Instructor Pilot E-2C/D

Contract Instructor Pilot E-2C/D

LB&B Associates, Inc.

Port Hueneme, CA • On-site

$100.26/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description
E2 CIP, NAVAL AVIATOR (PILOT)
Job Description - Contract Instructor Pilot (CIP)
LB&B Associates Inc. has immediate openings for on-call E2 Contract Instructor Pilots to support its training contract at NAS Point Mugu, CA.
This is an on-call position.
CIPs for the E-2C 2F110 OFT, the E-2D 2F210 OFT, and the E-2D 2F211 APT shall instruct students in the cockpit as required during simulator events.
CIPs shall successfully demonstrate the ability to instruct, interact, and evaluate aircrew performance for all flight scenarios and provide instantaneous feedback regarding tactical employment and safety related decisions.
CIPs must have the tactical expertise required to provide accurate simulation instruction of all current and future mission areas executed by the E-2C/D crew to meet Air Combat Training Continuum (ACTC) training requirements of the ACCLWS, in alignment with the CAEWWS Manual. This includes, but is not limited to:
a) Warfare Commander decisions and communications
b) Tactical Command and Control (TAC C2)
c) Air Intercept Communications (AIC)
d) Strike Warfare
e) Carrier Strike Group Air Defense
f) Maritime Employment
g) Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)
h) Offensive Air Support (OAS)
i) Airspace Management
j) Offensive Counter-Air/Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (OCA/SEAD)
k) Combat Identification (CID)
l) Controlled Approaches
m) Survivability
Principal Duties and Essential Job Functions:
  • Conduct scheduled Instructor-led/supported training for Training Device and Systems Training (including briefs and debriefs) using traditional and modern tools such as interactive white boards, computers and video projector systems.
  • Evaluate student training/mission performance as required.
  • Provide classroom instruction and recommendations for improvement, to include tests and test materials, lesson plans, and trainee guides under the guidelines of current directives.
  • Provide academic instruction to include Instructor led lecture discussion for Crew Resource Management (CRM), Instrument Ground School (IGS), etc., and self-paced Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) and Computer Based Training (CBT) in support of courses required for each platform.
  • Assist with simulator and training device inspections and certification programs and other special projects, as required, to include mishap re-creation and testing.
  • Conduct training device operation instruction to personnel as necessary, to include briefing, debriefing and grading/assessments.
  • Other weapons system specific support responsibilities, as listed in appendices.
  • Evaluate and record trainer performance IAW established criteria.
  • Maintain, assess, and recommend improvements to mission scenarios for effectiveness and currency.
  • Review curriculum, assess and recommend improvements to the training program via the appropriate training management officials.
  • Perform as NATOPS Instrument Evaluators, Assistant NATOPS Instructors (ANI), AW and EW instructors. Contract Instructors may be designated as a NATOPS Instrument Evaluator or Assistant NATOPS Instructor per OPNAVINST 3710.7 SERIES. Refer to OPNAVINST 3710.7 SERIES for definitions of responsibilities, assignments, qualifications, cognizant authority for designations, and annual requirements for certifications.

Requirements and Qualifications
  • Must obtain instructor certification in the platform(s) to which assigned.
  • Must obtain a Top Secret Clearance.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen

Contract Instructor Pilot (CIP)
  • Qualifications. A CIP shall have the following qualifications: Must be or have been an E-2 Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) qualified pilot or have been an E-2 simulator instructor (pilot) within the previous five (5) years. A CIP have been a designated a Carrier Aircraft Plane Commander (CAPC) in the E-2 or Carrier Transport Plane Commander (CTPC) in the C-2 (i.e. level 300 ACTC qualification or greater), Not have had any punitive actions on their record that resulted in termination of their flight status (i.e. Field Naval Aviator Evaluation Board (FNAEB) resulting in a type B classification). Must have a minimum of (800) flying hours in the E-2 or the C-2 aircraft and possess a Bachelor's degree.
  • A CIP should have the following preferred qualifications: Must Be or have been an E-2/C-2 NATOPS Instructor qualified pilot within the previous five (5) years, or have been an E-2/C-2 simulator instructor pilot within the previous five (5) years.
  • Attained the following tactical designations
    • Instructor CAPC in the E-2 (i.e. Level 3i ACTC [formerly level 400 ACTC qualification, prior to 2019])
    • Element lead in the E-2 (i.e. level 400 ACTC qualification)
    • E-2 Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) (i.e. level 500 ACTC qualification)

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
LB&B Associates Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other protected factor by country, regional or local law.
Requirements
Please see job description.

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